The NSW Resources Regulator has reported an incident that a worker received crush injuries to two fingers when the hand was caught in a pinch point while operating a roof bolting rig. The worker was wearing gloves when her fingers became caught between the feed carriage endplate and the carriage retainers. The gloves had to be cut to free the worker’s fingers. The worker sustained degloving of the end of her left ring finger and the tip of her little finger. A polyurethane flap had been fitted to prevent access to the pinch point, but this proved to be an inadequate risk control.
The Regulator said: “mine operators should ensure that training of persons involved in roof bolting includes the identification of pinch points and associated hazards. Adequate controls should be put in place to control the risks. Operators should ensure that the installation of ‘lobster’ attachments does not introduce new, unidentified pinch points without risk controls.”
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READ RELATED Vent tube chain squashed underground miner’s fingers
A mining accident at a New South Wales mine has resulted in a mineworker suffering two fractured fingers from a vent tube chain while operating a shuttle car at an underground mine.
According to reports from the NSW Regulator, a shuttle car was used to pull a hose.
Following the pull, a vent tube chain was left hanging on the rail next to the cab of the shuttle car. The worker had his hand under the rail when the chain was driven over – the rail bent down squashing his fingers.
The Resources Regulator said ‘A vent tube chain should only be used for the intended purpose – not for lifting or towing. Operator’s compartments must be kept clean and free of hazards.’
A range of standards should be considered when selecting components for lifting or rigging. AMSJ have provided a basic list below for mines to consider during lifting or rigging activities.
Why did she have her fingers there? It is a really odd place to have your hand while operating the bolter.